Alex Sharp

Academic Advisor, Department of Psychology

Hometown

St. Thomas, USVI

Personal Interests

In my free time, I enjoy walking and hiking with my dog, Tucker (a Chihuahua mix). I love cooking and baking, and Mexican, Italian, and Caribbean foods are my favorites! I have played the violin for many years, and I am also a huge fan of The X-Files. I am an island girl at heart, but I love the mountains, rivers, and lakes of East Tennessee! I also love to travel with my fiancé. Recently, we have traveled to New York, California, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C.

Education

BA, Psychology (Counseling Concentration), Maryville College

MSSW, Social Work, University of Tennessee

Educational Philosophy

I believe in using the strengths-based perspective when working with and advising students because it emphasizes a student’s strengths rather than their deficiencies. I feel that this approach is directly beneficial to students because it allows them to be a part of the advising process and is used to motivate students to maximize their potential. I also am a fan of the systems-based perspective because it places an individual in a larger context and recognizes that people have multiple forces impacting them. These two perspectives help me to best serve students to help them meet their goals. Also, I believe that education is one of life’s greatest gifts.

Favorite Quote

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt